Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Dominican-American assistant coach Chad Baker (full name Derrek Chad Baker Lopez) was contacted by Latinbasket.com Venezuela through a phone call to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and the current member of the coaching staff of Leones de Santo Domingo (LNB), expressed his happiness about coming back to Venezuela in the near future to resume working for Guaros de Lara, heading towards LPB 2013, as a first assistant coach.

Baker had to take over coaching duties in the latter part of the LPB 2012 regular season, prompting Guaros from nearly eliminated to almost in the playoffs, building a winning streak that allowed the team to finish with a 17-19 record. The general management had expressed that he'd be the head coach in 2013, but then changed their mind and said they preferred to have him back at his first job with the team and bring an American coach, yet to be named, who's got experience both in FIBA and NBA leagues.

"I'm happy to go back to Barquisimeto, because for me personally, it went well there. I'm a team player. When I played, I would play in any position the coach would want me to, so this time, there's no difference. I know they first told me I'd be the coach, then they changed their minds but kept me in their plans", Baker said.

"They told me that they want me to get more experience for a year or two. In Guaros, we're a family and I have no problems at all with it. Jorge Hernandez, Abraham Hernandez, Tomas Morris and Giovanni Carrara (owners and managers) were very honest with me. They gave me a chance to coach the team last season and that's a confidence I gotta return with my compromise to work for them".

He even expressed that he's been talking with Pablo Machado (207-C-77) about coming down a month earlier than expected, on October 20th, so he can work closely with Machado, getting him into proper shape for the beginning of preseason, set to start on November 20th in Barquisimeto.

Baker said he doesn't know who the head coach will be, but that he's going to adjust to him and work properly, while he also expressed happiness about the acquisition of Dominican player Jack Michael Martinez (201-F-81). "He's a proven winner down there. He can guarantee us at least 10 points and 10 rebounds per game. He's more like a 16-point 16-rebound per game player. With him and with John Millsap (198-F-82) and Hassan Adams (193-G-84), who can play the 2, 3 and 4 positions, we're going to be able to win lots of games".

"Martinez will take off the pressure from Pablo Machado, plus we also got Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78)", he added. Baker said that in 2012, the team finished off very strong even though the owners acquired the franchise 5 days prior to the beginning of the season. "And we finished in seventh place. That's not bad. Good teams begin early, like Cocodrilos and Marinos, and that's what we'll do".

He also said that when he coached the team, players bought into his concept of the team as a family. Some players would play a lot and others wouldn't, but everyone was important. "I remember that if things were going well with all Venezuelan players on court, I'd left the foreign players in the bench and they'd joke about. One day, John Millsap got up and asked me as a joke: do you remember me?. I also remember we won a game thanks to Edgar Lugo (189-G-82) even though he didn't play a minute. But he was focused and saw things on court and made suggestions. I would ask them their opinion during the games".

Baker also expressed interest in setting up clinics and encounters with younger talents between the ages of 15 and 18, thinking ahead about Liga Especial (LEB) and due to the fact that several youngsters would approach him after the games, asking about the possibility of an academy or training sessions. "It'd be great to help them both inside and outside of the court. Hopefully we get to work it out and do it at least 2 or 3 times a week".

David Cubillan selected the top Venezuelan playing abroad in last week's games - 1 day ago

POSTED BY:
EUROBASKET CENTER

follow us on

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Venezuelans who are currently playing abroad. This week's number one is former international point guard David Cubillan (181-87, agency: Pro Sports). He led Flamengo to a victory over the closely-ranked Mogi in the Brazilian NBB in Saturday night's game.
[read more]

DAVID CUBILLAN

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Venezuelans who are currently playing abroad.

#1. This week's number one is former international point guard David Cubillan (181-87, agency: Pro Sports, college: Marquette, currently plays in Brazil). He led Flamengo to a 3-point victory over the closely-ranked Mogi (17-6) 75-72 in the Brazilian NBB in Saturday night's game.
Cubillan was MVP of the game. He scored 20 points and added 5 passes in 33 minutes on the court.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (22-3) is placed second in the NBB.
It was his team's ninth consecutive victory in a row.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical.
It's Cubillan's first season with the team.
This year Cubillan averages: 9.4ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.1apg, 2FGP: 46.8%, 3FGP: 40.9% and FT: 74.3% in 24 games he played so far.
He played for the Venezuelan senior national team two years ago.

#2. Second place goes to an international point guard Gregory Vargas (180-86, also represented by Pro Sports, currently plays in Spain). Vargas led Baloncesto Fuenlabrada to a victory against the 13th-ranked Movil Estudiantes (8-14) 87-81 in a derby game in the Spanish Liga Endesa last Saturday.
He recorded 11 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.
Montakit Fuenlabrada (15-8) is placed fifth in the Liga Endesa.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
Vargas' overall stats this season are: 5.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.8apg, 2FGP: 45.3%, 3FGP: 38.1% and FT: 75.0%.
Ex-Protectores de Miranda BBC player is in the roster of the Venezuelan senior national team.

#3. The Venezuelan player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced former international small forward Donta Smith (201-83, college: SE Illinois JC, currently plays in Italy). He contributed to a New Basket BR's victory against the league outsider VL Pesaro (5-17) 93-83 in the Italian Serie A on Sunday night.
Smith recorded 9 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and made 2 blocks in 27 minutes.
New Basket Brindisi (7-15) is placed 13th in the Serie A.
They ended the series of four consecutive loses.
Smith has relatively good stats this year: 10.2ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.9apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 64.2%(43-67), 3FGP: 34.8% and FT: 76.7% in 13 games.
He is a naturalized American.
Smith played for the Venezuelan national team three years ago.
He used to play for Marinos de Anzoategui in Venezuelan league.

#4. Guard John Cox (194-81, agency: Pensack Sports, college: USF, currently plays in Basketball Champions League). Cox could not help BBC Bayreuth (8-6) to beat Besiktas (10-4).
He scored only 4 points.
BBC Bayreuth was edged 84-84 on the road by the lower-ranked Besiktas (#49).
Cox's overall stats this season are: 3.8ppg and 1.8rpg.
He is a naturalized American.
Cox is also Venezuelan national team player.
He used to play for Marinos de Anzoategui in Venezuelan league.

#5. Former U18 international point guard Alexander Morillo (180-92, currently plays in Chile) helped Universidad de Concepcion win their game against the third-ranked Universidad Catolica (17-15) 94-87 in the Chilean Liga Nacional last Thursday.
Morillo scored 17 points and added 5 passes in 45 minutes.
It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group Conferencia Centro. CD Universidad de Concepcion (18-14) is placed second in Conferencia Centro.
It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row.
This year Morillo has relatively solid stats: 14.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.2apg and 1.8spg in 10 games.
He used to play for the Venezuelan U18 national team
nine years ago.

#6. Forward Miguel Ruiz (197-90, another player represented by Pro Sports, currently plays in Argentina) was not able to help Libertad Sunchales (22-11) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Ruiz's good performance the first-placed Libertad Sunchales (22-11) was badly defeated 101-85 in Obera by the lower-ranked Obera TC (#3) in the North group.
He scored 10 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.
Ruiz's overall stats this season are: 6.8ppg, 10.7rpg, 1.2apg and 1.7spg.
He is an international player who is currently on the senior Venezuelan National Team roster.

#7. Former international guard Jhornan Zamora (196-89, currently plays in Spain) was the major contributor in Ourense's victory against the closely-ranked Caceres Basket (11-15) 90-72 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) in Friday night's game.
Zamora scored 15 points in 25 minutes.
Ourense Termal (12-14) is placed ninth in the LEB Gold.
It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row.
Zamora has reliable stats this year: 12.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.8apg and 1.1spg in 12 games.
He used to play for the Venezuelan national team
three years ago.

#8. Power forward Luis Julio (201-80, currently plays in Chile) helped Las Animas win their game against the third-ranked Deportivo Valdivia (20-12) 81-64 in a derby game in the Chilean Liga Nacional last Saturday.
Julio recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points and getting 11 rebounds.
It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group Conferencia Sur. Club Deportes Las Animas (25-7) is placed first in Conferencia Sur.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
Julio averaged so far 14.7ppg, 10.2rpg, 1.8apg and 1.1spg.
He used to play for the Venezuelan national team
back in 2009.

#9. International power forward Jose Rodriguez (197-94, currently plays in Argentina) was not able to secure a victory for Gimnasia LP (14-19) in their last game. Despite Rodriguez's very good performance Gimnasia LP (#10) lost 55-64 in Concepcion de Urug. to the second-ranked Parque Sur in the South group.
He was the top scorer with 17 points. Rodriguez also added 6 rebounds in a mere 18 minutes.
Rodriguez's stats this year are: 10.3ppg, 4.7rpg and 1.8apg in nine games.
He is also in the roster of the Venezuelan national team.

#10. Swingman Francisco Centeno (201-85, currently plays in Argentina) helped Deportivo Viedma win their game against the 11th-ranked CA Temperley (13-19) 79-76 in the Argentinian TNA (second division) in Saturday night's game.
Centeno scored 8 points and grabbed 4 rebounds.
Deportivo Viedma Rio Negro (20-11) is placed third in South group.
Centeno averaged so far 15.0ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.2apg and 1.2spg.
He is a former international player as six years ago he still played for the Venezuelan senior national team.

#11. International point guard Harold Cazorla (175-91, agency: Duran International, currently plays in Spain) helped Fontedoso Carrefour win their game against the tenth-ranked Fundacion 5+11 81-65 in the Spanish LEB Silver (third division) last Saturday.
Cazorla recorded 11 points, 3 assists and 3 steals in 27 minutes.
Cazorla averaged so far 10.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.1apg and 2.4spg in 24 games.
He plays currently for the Venezuelan national team.

#12. Former international forward Juan Coronado (203-90, college: Liberty, currently plays in Chile) couldn't help Puente Alto (10-4) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Coronado's good performance Puente Alto (#2) was crushed 89-65 at home by the leading Los Leones in the Conferencia Centro.
He recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points and getting 12 rebounds.
Coronado averaged so far 14.5ppg, 10.7rpg, 2.1apg and 1.3bpg.
He used to play for the Venezuelan national team
back in 2016.

#13. Former international swingman Cesar Silva (190-81, currently plays in Chile) is a teammate of previously mentioned Juan Coronado and both played together in the last Chilean Liga Nacional game.
Silva couldn't help Puente Alto in their game against Los Leones.
He scored 7 points, had 6 boards, dished 6 assists and stole 5 balls in 31 minutes.
His team was crushed by 24 points 89-65.
Silva has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 16.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 4.3apg and 3.3spg in four games.
Silva used to play for the Venezuelan national team
five years ago.

One more player who has never been selected to any of national teams, but has Venezuelan passport:

#1.Michael Hinestroza Javes (208-F-90, college: UALR, currently plays in El Salvador) could not help Santa Ana (5-3) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite his very good performance Santa Ana was badly defeated 87-70 on the road by the second-ranked Santa Tecla.
Hinestroza Javes recorded a double-double by scoring 16 points and getting 12 rebounds. He also added 3 blocks and 3 steals.
Hinestroza Javes averaged so far 14.1ppg, 17.0rpg, 3.7apg, 2.3bpg and 1.6spg.
He has a dual citizenship: Venezuelan and Colombian.

KAREEM CANTY Defending champion As de Sale (D1) strengthened their roster with addition of 24-year old American guard Kareem Canty (185-84kg-93, college: Auburn, agency: Promotex). He played last season at Panteras in Venezuelan LPB league. In 28 games he recorded 13.9ppg, 2.2rpg and 4.1apg. Canty also played for Halifax Hurricanes in Canadian NBL Canada that season where in 15 games he averaged 5.0ppg and 1.9apg. The other team he played shortly was London Lightning in NBL Canada Canty... [read more]

KAREEM CANTY

Defending champion As de Sale (D1) strengthened their roster with addition of 24-year old American guard Kareem Canty (185-84kg-93, college: Auburn, agency: Promotex). He played last season at Panteras in Venezuelan LPB league. In 28 games he recorded 13.9ppg, 2.2rpg and 4.1apg. Canty also played for Halifax Hurricanes in Canadian NBL Canada that season where in 15 games he averaged 5.0ppg and 1.9apg. The other team he played shortly was London Lightning in NBL CanadaCanty graduated from Auburn University in 2016 and it is his second season as a professional player.

Gregory Vargas selected the top Venezuelan playing abroad in last week's games - 15 days ago

POSTED BY:
EUROBASKET CENTER

follow us on

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Venezuelans who are currently playing abroad. This week's number one is an international point guard Gregory Vargas (180-86, agency: Pro Sports). He led Baloncesto Fuenlabrada to a victory over the closely-ranked Blusens Monbus in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Sunday night's game.
[read more]

GREGORY VARGAS

Traditionally, every week we bring you a list of the top performances of Venezuelans who are currently playing abroad.

#1. This week's number one is an international point guard Gregory Vargas (180-86, agency: Pro Sports, currently plays in Spain). He led Baloncesto Fuenlabrada to a 3-point victory over the closely-ranked Blusens Monbus (10-11) 81-78 in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Sunday night's game.
Vargas was MVP of the game. He scored 18 points, had 5 rebounds and dished 5 assists in 38 minutes on the court.
Montakit Fuenlabrada (13-8) is placed seventh in the Liga Endesa.
This year Vargas averages: 4.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.6apg, 2FGP: 46.3%, 3FGP: 34.3% and FT: 68.8% in 20 games he played so far.
Ex-Protectores de Miranda BBC player is currently a member of the Venezuelan senior national team.

#2. Second place goes to former international point guard David Cubillan (181-87, also represented by Pro Sports, college: Marquette, currently plays in Brazil). He contributed to Flamengo's victory against the tenth-ranked Minas (9-12) 96-84 in the Brazilian NBB last Saturday.
Cubillan scored 7 points and added 4 assists.
Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (18-3) is placed second in the NBB.
It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row.
Cubillan's overall stats this season are: 9.8ppg, 2.1rpg, 3.1apg, 2FGP: 48.0%, 3FGP: 44.3%.
He played for the Venezuelan national team in 2016.

#3. The Venezuelan player who performed third best last week abroad was an experienced former international swingman Francisco Centeno (201-85, currently plays in Argentina). Centeno led Deportivo Viedma to a victory over the third-ranked Parque Sur (17-12) 78-73 in the Argentinian TNA (second division) on Monday night.
He was the best player in that game. Centeno recorded 27 points (!!!) and grabbed 7 rebounds in 33 minutes.
It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group South. Deportivo Viedma Rio Negro (19-8) is placed second.
Centeno has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 16.0ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 58.9%(179-304), 3FGP: 15.4% and FT: 63.9% in 28 games.
Centeno played for the Venezuelan national team six years ago.

#4. Point guard Harold Cazorla (175-91, agency: Duran International, currently plays in Spain) could not help Fontedoso Carrefour (14-9) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Fontedoso Carrefour lost 57-62 on the road to the leading HLA Alicante.
Cazorla had a double-double by scoring 17 points and getting 13 rebounds. He also added and 3 steals in 33 minutes.
They ended the series of five consecutive victories.
Cazorla has relatively good stats this year: 10.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 4.1apg and 2.4spg in 22 games.
He is also Venezuelan national team player.

#5. Former international guard Jhornan Zamora (196-89, currently plays in Spain) was the major contributor in Ourense's surprising victory against the third-ranked CB Prat (19-6) 61-58 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) on Friday night.
Zamora recorded 16 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.
Ourense Termal (10-14) is placed 12th in the LEB Gold.
It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row.
This season Zamora has relatively solid stats: 11.7ppg, 3.8rpg and 2.0apg.
He has a dual citizenship: Venezuelan and Spanish.
Zamora used to play for the Venezuelan national team
three years ago.

#6. Power forward Luis Julio (201-80, currently plays in Chile) contributed to an easy victory against the fourth-ranked CD Castro (12-20) 76-61 in the Chilean Liga Nacional in Saturday night's game.
He had a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting 13 rebounds. Julio also added 3 assists in 36 minutes.
Club Deportes Las Animas (25-7) is placed first in Conferencia Sur.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
Julio has reliable stats this year: 14.7ppg, 10.1rpg, 1.7apg and 1.1spg in 30 games.
He is a former international player as he played for the Venezuelan senior team nine years ago.

#7. International forward Miguel Ruiz (197-90, another player represented by Pro Sports, currently plays in Argentina) was not able to help Libertad Sunchales in their game against Independiente (9-20) in the Argentinian TNA (second division).
Ruiz scored only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.
The first-placed Libertad Sunchales (19-9) was defeated 82-73 in Santiago del Estero by the much lower-ranked Independiente (#14) in the North group.
It's Ruiz's first season with the team.
His overall stats this year are: 6.7ppg, 10.6rpg, 1.4apg and 1.8spg.
Ruiz is also Venezuelan national team player.

#8. Power forward Jose Rodriguez (197-94, currently plays in Argentina) was not able to secure a victory for Gimnasia LP (12-16) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Gimnasia LP (#11) lost 91-106 at home to the higher-ranked (#5) Estudiantes Olavarria in the South group.
Rodriguez scored 17 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 32 minutes.
It was Gimnasia LP's third consecutive loss in a row.
Rodriguez averaged so far 14.0ppg, 5.8rpg and 2.0apg in five games.
He plays currently for the Venezuelan national team.

#9. Former international forward Luis Valera (202-88, another player represented by Duran International, college: UTRGV, currently plays in Spain) contributed to Azuqueca's victory against the 11th-ranked Quintanar (8-14) 77-65 in the Spanish EBA (fourth division) in Saturday night's game.
Valera recorded 11 points.
Isover Basket Azuqueca (19-2) is placed first in Group B.
It was his team's seventh consecutive victory in a row.
Valera's overall stats this season are: 3.1ppg and 2.8rpg.
He used to play for the Venezuelan national team
three years ago.

The list of other players, who all have Venezuelan passport but never been selected to any of Venezuelan national teams:

#1.Emiro Hernandez (188-PG-94, currently plays in Argentina) could not help Parque Sur (17-12) in their last game on Monday. Despite his very good performance the third-placed Parque Sur (17-12) was defeated 78-73 on the road by the second-ranked Deportivo Viedma in the South group.
Hernandez was the top scorer with 18 points.
Hernandez's overall stats this season are: 9.8ppg and 2.2rpg.

#2.Christophe Torres (186-F-89, currently plays in Luxembourg) was not able to help Arantia in their game against Heffingen (5-18) in the Luxembourg Total League. Torres cannot count Saturday's game as one of the best ones.
He scored only 3 points in 16 minutes.
Arantia lost 73-82 on the opponent's court to the lower-ranked (#4) Heffingen in the Playdowns 2 group.
It was Arantia's fourth consecutive loss in a row.
This year Torres averages just 0.8ppg in four games he played so far.

#3.Victor Diaz Jr. (190-G, currently plays in NAIA) was not able to secure a victory for the Southwestern Christian University (8-7) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite his good performance his team was badly defeated 96-79 in Waxahachie by the SW Assemblies of God University.
Diaz Jr. recorded 11 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.
The Regular Season already ended in the NAIA.
Diaz Jr.'s overall stats this season are: 8.8ppg, 4.9rpg and 1.2apg.

#4.Kilder Gonzalez (188-G, currently plays in NAIA) is a teammate of previously mentioned Victor Diaz Jr.. But that was another game of his team in NAIA which we would like to mention.
Gonzalez managed to help Southwestern Christian University in a victory against the Mid-America Christian University (8-8) 83-79.
He scored only 2 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 11 minutes.
The Southwestern Christian University has 8-7 record this season.
This year Gonzalez's overall stats are: 3.1ppg and 1.9rpg in 15 games.

#5.Michael Hinestroza Javes (208-F-90, college: UALR, currently plays in El Salvador) couldn't help Santa Ana (3-1) in their game against Brujos Izalco (2-1) in the Salvadorean Liga MB (second division).
He scored 9 points, had 16 boards, passed 6 assists and added 3 steals.
But the league leader Santa Ana was defeated 99-86 in Izalco by the lower-ranked Brujos (#4).
But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen.
Hinestroza Javes averaged so far 12.8ppg, 18.3rpg, 4.0apg, 2.3bpg and 2.0spg.
He has a dual citizenship: Venezuelan and Colombian.

WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site !
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the site, nor will you attempt to do so.